Compiled and written by David R. Schleper, 2026.

In an article in the Minnesota Star Tribune on Feb. 1, 2026, “How ICE Crackdowns Are Moving Some MN Teens to Action,” Laura Yuen interviews several students, including Muno, a student at Shakopee High School.

Like many other students, Muno, age 18, asked Yuen to hold her last name because of fear of retaliation. Some of her fellow students had death threats during a school walkout, and Muno did not want to have her last name in the paper.

According to Yuen, Muno shared three stories she couldn’t shake from her mind during Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota over the last three months, the Immigration and Custom Enforcement agents immigration enforcement.

Then Muno craved carne asada. In West St. Paul, she pulled up to a taco shop. She saw a Latino boy, about her age, sizing her up from the store wood. “He apparently is the store’s makeshift security guide, there to prevent ICE agents from entering. He unlocks the door to let Muno in and quickly locks it after her.”

According to Yuen, lots of stories allege ICE is racially profiling residents, but Yuen was told by Muno that there is not enough about how the current climate of fear forces people of color to profile strangers back. “Even a teenager is open to make a split-second calculations, rooted in bias, to protect their family and their livelihood.”

So Muno tells the boy, “I’m sorry you have to do this, all day and every day,” then breaks down in her car and cries.

Later, Muno is going to her friend’s house, where she and several girls planned to bake cinnamon rolls and post selfies on TikTok in their matching pajamas. “Then her friend sends a warning to the group chat: ICE agents just detained a construction worker in her neighborhood.”

According to Yuen, “It’s the juxtapositions of frivolity and fear that fills Muno’s day-to-day life.” According to Muno, “I don’t want to stop being happy. I don’t want that normalcy being taken away.

But it’s so hard. You just can’t look away.”

Muno visited the memorial for Renée Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three and poet, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent on Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis, during Operation Metro Surge. The shooting, ruled a homicide, occurred as she observed federal immigration activity from her car, sparking national protests and a federal investigation.

“Muno sets down her flowers and her signs and pays her respects. Out of nowhere, a random Somali auntie reminds her to zip up her jacket and hands Muno a hot cup of tea. An older white man offers Muno food. This is the Minnesota she knows, the place that reared her and continues to protect its youth.”

“She said immigrants and their children won’t stop enduring or giving back to the state,” according to Yuen in the article about Muno.

“Yes, ICE is still happening, but I still have dinner plans Friday. I still have band practice. I’m still going to college. I’m still making my parents proud.”

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Compiled and written by David R. Schleper, 2025.

Mary Carcamo was born in Catcamas, Honduras on Dec. 30, 1964. The Republic of Honduras is a country in Central America, bordered to the west by Guatemala, to the southwest by El Salvador, to the southeast by Nicaragua, to the south by the Pacific Ocean at the Gulf of Fonseca, and to the north by the Gulf of Honduras, a large inlet of the Caribbean Sea. Its capital and largest city is Tegucigalpa, according to Wikipedia.

Honduras was home to several important Mesoamerican cultures, most notably the Maya, before Spanish colonization in the sixteenth century. The Spanish introduced Catholicism and the now predominant Spanish language, along with numerous customs that have blended with the indigenous culture.

Honduras became independent in 1821 and has since been a republic, although it has consistently endured much social strife and political instability, and remains one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere.

The nation’s economy is primarily agricultural, making it especially vulnerable to natural disasters. In the Republic of Honduras, 73% of the country’s population lived in poverty and 53% lived in extreme poverty. The lower class is primarily agriculturally based while wealth is concentrated in the country’s urban centers. The country is one of the most economically unequal in Latin America.

Honduran society is predominantly Mestizo; however, there are also significant Indigenous, black, and white communities in Honduras. Honduras is known for its rich natural resources, including minerals, coffee, tropical fruit, and sugar cane, as well as for its growing textiles industry, which serves the international market.

Mary Carcamo lived in Catcamas, Honduras. The city is situated northeast of Tegucigalpa. Catacamas has historically been characterized by the hospitality, resilience, and progressive spirit of its people, as well as its rich natural setting which is suitable for both agricultural and forest production.

The North White Stone Mountain, part of Agalta Mountains National Park, is located near the city. Catacamas is home to a variety of botanical species such as conifers, broadleaf plants, and some eighty varieties of orchids, as well as a rich fauna, including wild cats and the quetzal.

Catacamas is a city with a population of 63,310. It is the largest municipality in Central America in terms of area.

In 1997, Mary eventually moved to Minnesota, settling in Shakopee.

Mary was a caring mother, sister, and friend to all. She made sure to always take care of the ones she loved most. She enjoyed playing board games, cooking together, and spending time outdoors. She especially liked watching her children play soccer.

Mary enjoyed hosting large gatherings of family and friends whenever she could, regardless of her health. The most defining characteristic of Mary was that she was always happy. No matter what, she could always be found smiling or laughing, especially when surrounded by the ones she loved.

At age 58, Mary Carcamo passed away on September 29, 2023. After her service, Mary was buried at Valley Cemetery in Shakopee.

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Compiled and written by David R. Schleper, 2026.

According to The Minnesota Star Tribune, Feb. 6, 2026, “It doesn’t ever really leave my mind; Minnesotans talk about winter weeks spent in the shadows of a juggernaut ICE operation” by Laura Yeun, on page A4, Maricruz, a mother, made tortillas while keeping one eye on her phone, which streamed video footage from the front door. She was always watching for ICE.

“In the entryway off a cramped two-bedroom house, a pair of pink backpacks idled on coat hooks.” The two girls have not been in school in weeks,” according to Laura Yeun. Their daughters are United States citizens, but their parents, Fermin and Maricruz, were born in Mexico, and have been living in Minnesota for 27 years.

“Maricruz and her husband, Fermin, have hardly left home since December. Their daughters know not to open the door. While classmates learned math, the girls huddled under a blanket, watching YouTube videos.”

Maricruz and Fermin asked Laura to use their first name only, fearing they could be deported like other immigrants—even though they’re authorized to be in the United States.

“Their daughters are U.S. citizens, but Maricruz worries agents could use the girls to lure her and her husband outside.”

“Teachers, neighbors, and strangers routinely drop groceries and puzzles on the family’s doorstep.” They live in a suburban cul-de-sac in Shakopee. “But the blinds are drawn, towels and blankets draped over the windows.”

“Fermin, who’s lived in Minnesota for 26 years, longs to return to work, but the family passes time by playing cards—and praying the rosary. They pray for Renée Good and Alex Pretti.”

“As his daughter asked God to watch over friends, teachers, and her bus driver, Fermin tried to stifle his tears; ‘It is sad because I thought in this country, they would have a better life.’”

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Compiled and written by David R. Schleper, 2025.

John William and Patricia Ann Ryan Freund were blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Lorrie Lee, born Jan. 25, 1956, in Minneapolis. She would be the second of four children, joining Linn, Jerry, and Jack.

Lorrie was a happy baby. Yet, her parents knew Lorrie’s life was going to be filled with countless trials and tribulations, for she was born with no arms. Yet, throughout her life this challenge made her stronger, independent, and she never considered herself disabled, according to the obituary at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation.

Patricia took Thalodomide, a drug that was developed in the 1950s. It was used as as a sedative, to treat sleeping problems and anxiety. Its use in pregnant women in 46 countries resulted in the “biggest man‐made medical disaster ever.” More than 10,000 children were born with severe deformities, as well as thousands of miscarriages, according to L. Bren on Feb. 28, 2001, “Frances Oldham Kelsey: FDA Medical Reviewer Leaves Her Mark on History.” FDA Consumer. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A common condition was that hands or feet were directly attached to the body, with all or part of the arm or leg missing. This condition is known as phocomelia.

Thalidomide was introduced in 1956. The German pharmaceutical company Grünenthal marketed it as a medication for anxiety, trouble sleeping, “tension,” and morning sickness. When it was introduced, it had not been tested on pregnant women. At first, people thought it was safe in pregnancy. The first concerns regarding birth defects were noted in 1961, and the drug was removed from the market in Europe that year.

Thalidomide was developed and first released by the German pharmaceutical company Chemie Grünenthal in 1953. The company had started as a soap maker after World War II to address the urgent market need for antibiotics. Chemist Heinrich Mückter, who was a known Nazi war criminal, was appointed to head the discovery program based on his experience researching and producing an anti-typhus vaccine for Nazi Germany, according to Wikipedia.

It is estimated that more than 10,000 people were affected by their mothers using thalidomide during their pregnancy. About 40% of the children died at birth or shortly afterwards. Those who survived had limb, eye, urinary tract, and heart defects.

The severity and location of the deformities depended on how many days into the pregnancy the mother was before beginning treatment; thalidomide taken on the 20th day of pregnancy caused central brain damage, day 21 would damage the eyes, day 22 the ears and face, day 24 the arms (like Lorrie Lee Freund Hinkle), and leg damage would occur if taken up to day 28. Thalidomide did not damage the fetus if taken after 42 days’ gestation.

In 1958, Lorrie’s family moved to Shakopee, where she loved to follow in her dad’s shadow. Lorrie loved to attend and watch his baseball games, follow behind on the golf course and began a lifelong love for sports. Lorrie didn’t have the traditional childhood. She was eventually fitted with artificial arms. Lorrie enjoyed attending camps at the Courage Center, where she never felt judged.

Lorrie attended Marshall High School in Minneapolis (a school for physical needs students) and later graduated in 1975. Lorrie furthered her education at Hennepin Vo-Tech. She took this knowledge and committed the next 42 years as a phone operator for First Bank, now known as US Bank.

Through mutual friends, Lorrie’s life was enriched by meeting Grindle Dean Hinkle, Jr. They were perfect for each other!

On April 30, 1994 at St. John Evangelical Lutheran, Shakopee, Lorrie and Grindle wedded. They each brought special qualities to the marriage, which made it the perfect union. Lorrie and Grindle always surrounded themselves with family, which were priceless moments in their lives. They both shared a love for animals of all sorts; cats, dogs, fish, birds, and especially the love for Griffin, her service dog.

Lorrie lived life to the fullest. She was a true inspiration to those she met, especially people with physical needs. There was nothing Lorrie couldn’t seem to conquer, with the exception of cooking. She was an amazing artist, earned a red belt with a black stripe in karate, and was a meticulous housekeeper. Lorrie loved to attend adult Courage Center camps and even enjoyed playing floor hockey for many years. She loved swimming, reading murder mysteries, and taking walks.

A true heart of gold, Lorrie’s generosity and unconditional love was felt by many. She was a very strong and independent woman, who wanted to make it on her own. She had a great sense of humor and even had a mischievous side to her, especially when it came to her siblings.

The amazing life of Lorrie Freund Hinkle was suddenly and unexpected taken away from her beloved family, from an infection, on Thursday afternoon, April 12, 2018, at St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Shakopee, MN. She was only 62 years old and was a long-time resident of the Shakopee Community.

Pastor Gary Kinkel from St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Shakopee presided, with Lorrie’s nieces and nephews as urn bearers. She was laid to rest by her parents at Pleasant View Memorial Garden in Burnsville.

According to Mark Sebald, “Spent many a day in that home with you guys. Lori was always the spark that lit the fire….. She’ll be missed by all!”

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Compiled and written by David R. Schleper, 2026.

Lorraine Imelda Libby was born May 30, 1913 in St. Paul, daughter of Cyrille Edward Libby (1883-1978) and Bertha May Thompson Libby (1885-1968). Her grandparents were Cyrus Edward Libby, who was born in Maine around 1858 and died in 1890 in Maine) and Jennie Brouder (1860-1891); and Bertram P. Thompson (1854-1936) and Maria Viola Jenkins Thompson (1854-1937).

She attended St. Margaret’s Academy and later Durham Hall.

Lorraine graduated from St Catherine’s College with degrees in English and Art.

She earned her teaching degree later in life at Mankato State University. She taught many years as an elementary teacher and later as an art teacher.

Lorraine Imelda Libby married Julius A. Coller II on Nov. 24, 1938 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Shakopee. They moved to their home at 434 Lewis Street South in Shakopee.

According to Lindsay Marshall, executive director of the Scott County Historical Society, Lorraine never took an art class through her education, but found her natural talent in many forms, with a strong religious influence. “In 1947, while home battling a severe ear infection, Lorraine’s father gave her a large tablet and a set of charcoals. Despite having no formal training, her drawing had forms, proportion, and balance.”

Lorraine’s passion for art found many forms throughout the years in her clay, stone, and wood sculptures, oil and watercolor paintings, and charcoal drawings.

She designed the cover and the illustrations for The Shakopee Story and St. Mark’s Centennial, both books written by her husband, Julius.

In 1956, she returned to St Catherine’s College in St. Paul to take classes in art and art history.

Lorraine Imelda Libby Coller taught schools in Shakopee, Savage, and Chaska, along with adult education classes around the Twin Cities.

Her religious commitment was highlighted in her creation of vestments, chalices, sculptures, paintings, and life-sized religious snow sculptures.

On March 1, 2009. Lorraine passed away at the age of 96, peacefully in the arms of her family.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Julius A Coller II.

Lorraine was survived by her children Fred (JoAnn) Coller, Jed (Kathy) Coller, Lorraine (Michael) Boyle, CeCe (Ralph) Arrigoni, 13 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

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Compiled and written by David R. Schleper, 2025.

Janna Marlene Grassel Wood was born June 1, 1988 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, daughter of Vern Frederick Grassel and Tracy K. D’Andrea.

Janna joined the Shakopee Police Department as the first Crime Prevention Specialist in 2013.

According to an article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune on Feb. 16, 2017, Dee DePass noted that Janna was just in the job for six months when Halloween came around. Shakopee Chief Jeff Tate walked into the police station and stopped, shocked. Janna was dressed head to toe in costume.

“I’m Janna Banana. Deal with it,” she noted. Tate recalled Janna “spent the whole day waking around the police department dressed as a banana. She was always just fun. You always felt good when you were around her.”

According to the article, Janna dug in, teaching stoic officers that it was OK to post photos on Facebook so the community could see them playing softball, taking kids shopping, feeding the hungry, and running marathons. The outreach made officers more relatable.

Janna, who graduated in criminal justice from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, used social media and workshops to teach police and residents about background checks, internet safety, tax scams, anti-bullying campaigns and Shakopee’s Citizen Police Academy. For her efforts, she was named Minnesota’s Crime Prevention Specialist of the Year in 2014.

“Her excellent work was recognized far beyond Shakopee,” said Chief Tate. “She really did a lot to change how police across the state communicate with the public through social media. She left more of a legacy in four years than most people would do in decades.”

Janna loved movies, playing board games, and getting together with family and friends. “She did walks for animals, the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics, and events for the hungry,” said her mother.

When she was 28 years old, Janna was 13 weeks pregnant. She told her husband, Erick Robert Wood, that she really wanted to have a child. She had lost twins, Maven and Macie, who were stillborn at 18 weeks, and another child, Littlefoot, in another miscarriage that October, according to the article, “Police, Community Mourn” in the Shakopee Valley News by Pat Minelli. Janna had headaches, and an MRI revealed blood clots. On Feb. 5, 2017, Janna and her unborn baby, Zeus, died.

Every year, the Shakopee Police Department hosts a diaper drive in memory of Janna Marlene Grassel Wood. According to Janna’s mother, Tracy D’Andrea, “If everyone had a Janna, the world would be a kind, kind place to live.”

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Compiled and written by David R. Schleper, 2026.

Helen Agnes Huth was born March 30, 1895 in Shakopee. Her parents were George John Huth, Jr. (1861-1936) and Maria Catharina Kopp (1863-1944.) Her grandparents were George Huth (1823-1883) and Maria Anna Wing Weier (1829-1889); and John Johannes George Kopp, Sr. (1826-1905) and Anna Margaret Everling Kopp (1843-1920).

Helen grew up to charming womanhood, receiving her education at the St. Mark’s Parochial school and graduating from the local high school in 1917.

Helen began teaching immediately following her term at high school, spending five years in various schools of the county, winning many friends by her quiet unassuming demeanor.

Helen Agnes Huth was highly talented in music. For many years she was a pianist at the Gem Theater.

On June 12, 1922, Helen married Walter Casey and they moved to a house in Shakopee, next door to Helen’s parents.

In July 1924, Helen wasn’t feeling well.

Dr. P. M. Fischer was summoned, and when he saw the condition was serious, the doctor called Dr. Yoert of Minneapolis as consulting physician.

Helen seemed to rally in the afternoon, but her condition again became serious by 3 pm.

After only a few hours of illness, Helen Agnes Huth Casey passed away at 4 pm. The cause of death was an embolism due to thrombosis.

She died peacefully in the presence of those near and dear to her.

Her unexpected death caused widespread and profound sorrow and deepest sympathy, including her parents, Walter Casey, and their eight-day-old daughter, Mary Elizabeth Casey Oleson (1924-1989).

Funeral services were held at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, with Rev. M. Savs officiating.

Helen Agnes Huth Casey was buried at the Catholic Cemetery on Tenth Avenue in Shakopee.

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Compiled and written by David R. Schleper, 2026.

Grace Poon and her husband, Kwai, opened the Family Chow Mein Chinese Restaurant and Ice Cream Factory from 1982 to 1984 in Shakopee.

Grace and Kwai’s dream was to open a restaurant in Shakopee, featuring a wide selection of Cantonese, Peking, Shanghai, and Zechuen cooking styles.

When they arrived in Minnesota, Grace worked for ten years at Catholic Charities, as she got a degree and worked with people with disabilities.

While that was satisfying, she wanted a certain amount of independence, to be her own boss, and to run her own business.

There is a concept of Chinese philosophy of keeping everything in balance and to serve others.

“I have always liked to work with people and serve food,” Grace said. She used family recipes she learned as a child in Hong Kong. To insure consistent quality, Grace did all the cooking herself, refusing to let anyone else near her kitchen, according to article, “Stir-fry comes to Shakopee” in the Feb. 24, 1982 Shakopee Valley News.

“I shouldn’t say it, but I don’t trust other people to cook,” Grace explained. “People wait a little while, but it’s worth it for the quality.”

In an article, “Chinese restaurant relocates; gains viability, business,” in the July 25, 1984 Shakopee Valley News, the family decided to move from the Huber Building to 237 First Avenue, where they converted the vacant lot (it had been the Hennen Skelly Station) to Family Chow Mein Chinese Restaurant and Ice Cream Factory.

The Poons originally took over the space at the Huber Building that was The Sweet Treat Ice Cream Parlor. Because of the connection, and because people in Shakopee love ice cream, the family decided to continue to sell ice cream cones, sundaes, shakes and malts.

“The main items on their menu, however, are the Chinese dishes. There are appetizers like egg rolls and fried chicken wings, soups, chow mein, both American and Cantonese (Cantonese chow mein has soft noodles and is stir-fry cooking), chicken, pork, beef, sea goods, and egg foo young. Included on the menu are several American sandwiches, including hamburgers.”

“This is especially for the young people who come in here with their parents and are afraid to try the Chinese food,” said Grace.

Grace spent long hours at the restaurant, often working 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

On Sunday, well, sometimes Grace and Kwai and their two sons, Gary and Raymond rested. But usually, they cleaned the kitchen!

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Compiled and written by David R. Schleper, 2025.

The Greatest Generation is roughly defined as the generation of individuals who came of age during the Great Depression, many of whom went to fight in World War II. What many people might forget is that latter part also included women.

One of the greatest was Georgene Georgina Beckrich, the first member of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) from Shakopee.

According to Lindsay Marshall, executive director of the Scott County Historical Society, in 1941, Edith Nourse Regers introduced the first bill establishing a women’s auxiliary unit. The unit would let women fill non-combat roles, in turn allowing more men to be available for combat responsibilities. On July 1, 1943 the women would attain military status. The Women’s Army Corps (WAC) replaced the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) ninety days later.

According to Marshall, Georgene (sometimes spelled Georgina), was born in 1917 to Mathias and Mary Marschall Beckrich. Mathias grew up on a farm in Eagle Creek Township, later worked as a plumber, a janitor at the church, and then the foreman engineer at the foundry. Mary was the fifth child born to Anthony and Catherine Marschall. The couple was married at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Shakopee in October 1914 and began their married life in Eden Prairie before returning to Shakopee. Richard was born in 1916, with Georgene following the next year. Gilbert was born in 1919, Mildred followed in 1922, and the youngest sibling, Donald, was born in 1927.

According to the 1930 Federal Census, the family had moved to Eagle Creek Township and had begun farming. But by 1935 they were back in Shakopee living on Sixth Avenue West. In 1940, Georgene worked 65 hours per week doing housework. At this point she was 23 and attended school in Shakopee – graduating from St. Mark’s and attending Shakopee High School. According to Lindsay, “her sister, Mildred (who we will talk about in a moment) was 18 and had gone through two years of high school. At this point, she had received the most education of all of her siblings.

“Georgene enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps on Dec. 2, 1942 as an Aviation Cadet. The Shakopee Argus-Tribune noted that when Georgene was 25, she took her required entrance and medical exams at Fort Snelling the month prior. She would be sent to basic training at either Daytona Beach or Des Moines. She’s listed as standing 62 inches and weighing 157 pounds.” No more information was available about what she did during her time as a WAAC, but her service ended July 7, 1943 when she was a First-Class Specialist. The WAAC had a variety of fields including administration-related jobs, cooking, motor transportation, and communications.

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